Tina B. Krause is a graduate of Guilford College with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Administrative Justice with concentrations in Psychology and Public Administration. Tina joined Hospitality House as Director of Services in August 2011 after serving as Director of Community and Program Services for United Way of Wilkes. After three years she assumed the role of Hospitality House Executive Director in July 2014 and continues to oversee existing supportive services, the implementation of new programs, Federal and State grants, organization expansion, and management of a staff of forty. 

Tina serves as the lead for the Northwest North Carolina Continuum of Care (NC-516) for the seven rural mountain counties serviced by Hospitality House of Northwest N.C. She also serves on the North Carolina HMIS (Homeless Management Information System) Governance Board.

During her United Way tenure she received the Randy Lyons Memorial Award for Excellence in Service for Wilkes County Children. Previously, she served eight years as Program Coordinator and Educator for the YMCA of Greater Charlotte Camping Services. During those eight years she was a two time recipient of the YMCA Rose Award for Excellence in Service.  She has also served as a founding board member for Wilkes Circles of Care and the Watauga representative on the Agency Advisory Council for Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC. 

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In her spare time she enjoys spending time outdoors and going to the beach with her three children, three grandchildren and fun-loving pup, Rue. 

Todd Carter graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Education with a concentration in Exercise Science and was a letterman in Football Sports Medicine from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and everything he's done since bears little resemblance to that life. His careers in the restaurant business, health and wellness industry, nonprofits and local government have taken him throughout the United States, around the world and now, back in his home state where it all began.

Todd has served as Chief Development Director for Hospitality House of Northwest N.C since 2011. He works with individuals, businesses, faith communities, foundations, grant-makers and civic organizations to offer opportunities for support of the programs and services made available to clients of Hospitality House. He handles all public relations, donor relations, social media and marketing, organizes multiple fundraisers, campaigns and outreach events. Additionally, he is the student internship coordinator

In November 2021 Todd was elected to serve on the Boone Town Council for a term of four years. He is also on the Board of Directors for Ashe County Coalition for the Homeless (ACCH), the AppalCART Board of Directors, is the founding 2nd Vice President and past President of the Watauga Branch of the NAACP, is a founder of the High Country LGBTQ Youth Alliance, co-founder of Boone Pride and co-founder of the Watauga Back2School Festival. Previously,  he served on the Advisory Board and as a supervisor for the North Carolina Campus Compact AmeriCorps VISTA program, on the Community Advisory Committee for the Appalachian State University Carnegie Foundation Classification, as a mentor in the Dale Tweedy Mentoring Program at the Appalachian State Transportation Insight Center for Entrepreneurship, a session presenter and Peer Collaborator for the Mandela Washington Fellowship, and on the Executive Planning Committees for the Stone Soup Nonprofit Leadership Consortium, OUT in the High Country Conference, and Watauga Housing Forum. 

Jan is the Director of Finance and she handles finances and compliance with fiscal responsibility to the grant funders who we receive funding from. She highly enjoys the staff both at the office and shelter who make coming to work every day a joy. She began at the Hospitality House as a volunteer in the finance department in the Spring of 2021  and now she holds the position of Director of Finance since May of 2022. Jan attended College in San Marcos, Texas, and the Bay Area of California. She has been in finance since the late ‘60s and has always loved creating order. In her free time, she loves to read and experience the beauty of the High Country.​​

Ethan is a 2015 graduate of Appalachian State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology. Near the end of his senior year internship at Hospitality House he accepted a post-graduate position as NC Campus Compact AmeriCorps VISTA and project manager of Welcome Home Thriftique. In August 2018, at the end of his two-year VISTA term, Ethan was hired by Hospitality House as a full time Supportive Services Specialist and then promoted to Service Coordinator of our Emergency Shelter program. Most recently, in April 2022 he was promoted to his current position of Director of Grant Funding. Born in the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains, Ethan enjoys Boone for its hiking trails, sense of community, and SNOW!​​

Wilkes County native Jane Whittington joined our team in Fall 2023. Jane is a graduate Wilkes Community College with a degree in Business Administration. She came to Hospitality House with twenty-seven years of business and accounting experience and feels "so blessed to be part of a team that touches the lives of so many!" In her free time Jane loves going camping with her sister and spending as much time as possible out by the campfire reading or working sudoku puzzles.

Lexi White, deciding to leave the beach behind and head for the mountains, graduated from Appalachian State with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice in May of 2022. She began working with Hospitality House as an intern during the 2022 Summer session. After completion of her internship, she was hired as the Finance Assistant to continue her work with the organization. In March 2023 Lexi began in her new role as Executive Assistant working alongside Executive Director Tina B. Krause and Chief Development Director Todd Carter on administrative operations, donor management, fundraising and outreach. Lexi states that joining the Hospitality House family was a wonderful decision, and enjoys spending her time working with the Boone community. Outside of work, you can catch Lexi riding down the slopes, watching scary movies, or playing with her cats Nacho and Pickles. ​​

Born and raised in Boone, Katie graduated from Caldwell Community College with an Associate in Arts and followed that up with a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management, with a focus on Project Management, from Appalachian State University. Prior to joining the Hospitality House staff, Katie worked in healthcare for four years, focusing on quality assurance and program development, and served on the Hospitality House board of directors for two years. 

While serving on the board, she spearheaded the implementation of our Medical Care Outpost in conjunction with High Country Community Health. Katie, a licensed phlebotomist, also has certifications in project management, total quality management, and is a Six Sigma Black Belt. Her best friends are her two dogs, Amity and Zeke, and a cat, Nymsie, and she loves socializing, meeting new people, kayaking, and hiking. Katie’s goal in life is to make a difference for everyone in the community she grew up in.

Originally from Kilmarnock, Virginia, Jenna joined the Hospitality House team in August 2013. With a Master of Arts in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling from Appalachian State, and a certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy, Jenna works one on one with Hospitality House clients, providing assistance in mental health and addictions. When not at work, Jenna loves to be outside and hanging out with family. Her favorite thing to do is spend time with her daughter hiking and skipping rocks on the river. “I love everything about Hospitality House! The staff and the residents are amazing. I feel truly honored to be working with everyone here. It is finding the glimmer of hope in otherwise challenging times."​​

Marianne is a recent addition to the Hospitality House, joining in February 2023.  Prior to joining this amazing team, she worked in a variety of state and county agencies, always with a focus on serving the underserved.  She graduated with an undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Virginia and a Master of Social Work degree from Boston College.  She looks forward to working as a therapist with Hospitality House residents to help with issues around mental health and/or substance use.  In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, hiking, reading, puzzling, and cheering for the Tar Heels. 

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Matt grew up a military brat but spent six years total in N.C. and always wanted to come back. He graduated in 2019 from Brigham Young University with a double major in English and German and moved to Boone in 2020. Matt wanted to get involved in human services and found his way to Hospitality House. Prior to his role as Facilities Manager, he worked as a Shelter Associate. In his free time, he enjoys being with his wife Emily, his cats, and his goofy dog. 

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Watauga County native, David McLean, joined our staff in Fall of 2023. With our ever growing foot print he plays a vital role in the upkeep and smooth operation of our various facilities. What appealed most to David about this position was the interaction with our clients and the ability to make a difference in other people's lives. A helper at heart, David puts others - both human and animal - above himself. He loves life and most especially his daughter, the light of this life. 

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Boone native Sonya Hamby graduated from Appalachian State in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work degree. Prior to joining our staff, she worked for three and one-half years in a group home for intellectually and developmentally delayed adults. Since joining Hospitality House in 2005, Sonya has served in a variety of roles including Shelter Associate, Shelter Manager, Transitional and Permanent Supportive Housing Coordinator and Domestic Violence Transitional and Rapid Rehousing Coordinator. Currently she serves as the Lead Emergency Housing Coordinator and the Local HMIS System Administrator. Sonya 'lives and breathes' Hospitality House and dedicates her time to helping residents continue along the path to employment, housing, goal setting, and building life skills. A beach girl at heart, Sonya loves sunshine and warm weather and loves spending time with her husband Shad and dog “O.”​​

Kennedy graduated from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in May 2020, with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science degree with a minor in Education.​ In the Summer of 2019 she was an intern in our gardens and absolutely fell in love with Hospitality House. In fact, Hospitality House was the main reason why she moved to Boone following her graduation! In January 2021, Kennedy was promoted from Shelter Associate to her current position as Data and Intake Specialist. Kennedy also works as a nanny, but in her free time she loves dancing, hiking, encouraging people, soaking up the sun, and going for long drives on the parkway -- really anything that involves admiring nature’s beauty. ​​

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Gabby, originally from Concord, North Carolina, moved to Boone to complete her Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice with minors in Psychology and Sociology. She started at Hospitality House as an intern in January of 2023, and became part of the team as a Shelter Associate in June of 2023 after graduating from Appalachian State University. She was promoted to her current position in August of 2024. Gabby enjoys coming to work everyday and experiencing something new, interacting with various clientele, and being a part of a collaborative work environment. She is passionate about the impact of the criminal legal system, victim advocacy, and the over-criminalization of homelessness and poverty. When not working, Gabby can often be found dog sitting, playing with her cat, or listening to a podcast.

Originally from Mount Airy, NC, Harley moved to Boone in 2013 to attend Appalachian State University. During Harley’s time at Appalachian, he fell in love with the Boone community and decided to stay in the area after graduating in 2016. Harley worked for Crossnore School and Children’s Home before joining Hospitality House in 2019. Before assuming his current role, Harley served as the Supportive Services & Permanent Supportive Housing Specialist/RISE Coordinator. Harley strives to promote equality and empowerment among individuals and to be an advocate for those in need of support. He currently serves on the Town of Boone's Human Relations Commission. Harley is currently pursuing a Master in Social Work degree from Florinda State University. In his free time, Harley enjoys hiking, camping, rooting on Appalachian FC and being outside. ​​

Jake began working at Hospitality House in April of 2022 as a Shelter Associate, soon after adding Facilities Specialist to his duties. In March 2023 he we promoted to is current position. Prior to joining our staff, he graduated from Kansas State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science. Jake typically spends his days engaging with clients, helping out wherever he can, and trying not to eat all of the chicken wings and snacks provided by the shelter. He loves seeing how much the residents, guests, staff, interns, and volunteers look out for each other. When Jake is not working he enjoys soccer, basketball, ping pong, movies, music, photography, traveling, reading, and spending time outdoors.​​

Phil Dingus comes to us from Bristol, Virginia. He got his first undergraduate degree from Emory & Henry University in 1978. He has come full circle since then. After completing E&HU, he ran a camera/photofinishing store in Downtown Boone for a few years, he moved to Roanoke and was in charge of the trust Division for what became SunTrust bank. He and his wife opened a CPA/Consulting firm which they ran for a number of years. They moved to Mississippi where he restored a 100+ year old general store in Lake, MS. He taught GED classes after store hours and helped 162 people in that East Mississippi town acquire their high school diplomas. Phil came back to Southwest Virginia and earned his Master of Science in Psychology. His clinic, "LifeWorks": was a mental health haven for years in Bristol. He is father to three. He and his partner, Lori Lynn Burger currently reside in Mountain City. 

A graduate of McGill University in Montreal, Quebec with Bachelor of Arts in Music, Bachelor of Education and Master of Computer Science degrees, Graham came to Hospitality House in 2011 as our Homeless Prevention Rapid Rehousing Coordinator. Previously, she worked for eight years as a Community Support Specialist at New River Behavioral Health. In 2012 she moved into her current Service Coordinator role where she continues to manage the Rapid Rehousing Program and oversees WeCAN - Western Crisis Assistance Program, providing counseling to those who find themselves in a serious situation but who are not homeless. Additionally, Graham administers the Blue Ridge Energy Operation Round Up and New River Light & Power Good Neighbor Round Up programs, and helps people find resources that they need to maintain housing and prevent homelessness.​​

Originally from Morganton, NC, Tori has loved the mountains and foothills her whole life. After graduating high school with her Associate degree in 2019, Tori came to Appalachian State University to study Public Relations with a minor in Leadership Studies. Tori began as a Public Relations intern in early 2021 and quickly fell in love with Hospitality House. After graduating with her Bachelor of Arts degree Tori was hired as a Shelter Associate and was promoted to her current position in July 2021. She is passionate about the mission of Hospitality House and considers herself lucky to work in a field where she gets to build relationships with those who use services at Hospitality House. When she’s not at Hospitality House, Tori enjoys tie-dyeing, cooking, getting tattoos, and finding new roads and areas to explore in the High Country. ​​

Russell began working at Hospitality House as a Shelter Associate back in December 2021. While working here, Russell enjoys greeting and aiding his residents on a day-to-day basis. This includes providing their favorite snack, listening to them, and bringing a positive attitude into work. Similarly, to his work experience, Russell graduated in 2023 from Appalachian State University with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work degree. In July 2023 he was promoted to Emergency Housing Specialist and in August 2024 assumed his current role as a Coordinator. Other than work and school, Russell spends his free time working out, hanging out with friends, and of course, watching football!! GO APP STATE.​​

Olivia graduated in May 2024 from Appalachian State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science with minors in Nonprofit Management Studies and Women's Studies. After completing her internship in the summer of 2023, she was hired as a Shelter Associate and promoted to her current position, the newly created Family Housing Specialist in August 2024. Her favorite parts of the job are her coworkers and making a difference. When she isn't working, Olivia enjoys playing trivia with her friends, watching musicals, and being with her cat, Calum.

Sean is a recent graduate from Appalachian State with a self-designed degree in Health Equity. Sean's passion for building healthy communities brought him to Hospitality House in September 2022 where he first served as a shelter associate before becoming the Street Outreach Specialist in August 2023. Additionally, Sean volunteers with Down Home N.C. and serves on the Town of Boone's Human Relations Commission where he advocates for broader community level changes to promote equity here in Boone. Outside of work Sean loves reading, live music, collecting records, and getting outside!

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Aaren Grant started at Hospitality House as a Shelter Associate in March 2022 and was promoted to their current position as Local Food Coordinator in March 2023. Aaren oversees our Garden Program, Bethel Remote Food Locker Program, Savor the Summer Feeding Program, Watauga County Farmers Market Donation Station, and Volunteer Coordination. Aaren is also a Board Member and Secretary of the Watauga Food Council, co-coordinating the Food Access and Security Group, with a focus on improving local food systems and farms in Watauga County. 

In May 2024, Aaren graduated from Appalachian State University with a Master's Degree in English Language and Literature. Throughout their studies, they specialized in ecocriticism and environmental justice rhetoric, examining the influence of literature on our perceptions of nature and the environment. They are currently a Professor of Rhetoric and Writing. In their free time, they enjoy hiking, kayaking, writing, and reading!

Emily started at Hospitality House as an intern in the Fall of 2021 while she was getting her Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Appalachian State University, graduating in May 2022. Emily really loved working in the food pantry so, after her internship, she volunteered weekly in the food pantry until getting hired in April of 2022 as Food Service Specialist. In July of 2023 she was promoted to Food Service Coordinator. Emily is in charge of planning and/or preparing all daily meal - three meals a day, seven days a week. Additionally, , her daily tasks may include making food boxes, talking to our food pantry clients, ordering and receiving food orders, accepting food donations, organizing the bodega food pantry, and overseeing student interns. She has absolutely loved working at Hospitality House and building relationships with the clients that come regularly. In her free time, she likes to read, crochet, and drive on the parkway!​​

James is a graduate  of Wilkes Community College with a degree in Culinary Arts. He joined our team in December 2023 brining with him his belief that "food is a right, not a privilege"  and enjoys being able to prepare and provide unique culinary experiences for Hospitality House clients. When not a work, James spends the majority of his time cooking or baking for others - he loves food - and his other hobbies include reading, yoga, meditation, hiking, and running. 

McKenna is currently a freshman at Appalachian State University where she is pursuing a degree in Digital Marketing with an intended minor in Spanish. She started her journey at Hospitality House in October of 2023 as a Food Service Associate where she works to distribute food boxes to clientele and assist in daily meal preparation. Her favorite parts of the job are connecting with residents and watching Hospitality House's positive impact on people's lives. When she's not working in the kitchen she loves to read, try new foods, and travel! 

Kailan, who was born and raised in North Carolina, has called Watauga County home since 2018. She began her work at Hospitality House in October 2022 as a shelter associate, where she is able to create authentic relationships while supporting and helping the community in any way possible. When she is not working alongside the amazing people here, she is building her homestead, raising her chickens, boarding dogs, and spending most of her time enjoying all that the Appalachian Mountains have to offer.​

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Anna is a senior at Appalachian State University pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work degree. She joined the team of shelter associates in January 2024 and is very passionate about social justice and uplifting vulnerable voices and populations. She is so excited and grateful to be a part of such an awesome and influential team! In her free time, you can find her driving on the parkway, spending time with friends, and hanging out with her cat, Kitty Foo Foo! 

Rebekah is currently a junior at Appalachian State University pursuing her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a social work minor. She is passionate about mental health issues, multicultural concerns in healthcare systems, and domestic violence refuge. Rebekah's favorite part of the job is seeing Hospitality House assist clients with getting housing; and building relationships with residents in the shelter. Some of her hobbies include: going on long walks and hiking with her dog, cooking, and spending time with friends! 

Currently a senior at Appalachian State University pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology, Tom first started working with Hospitality House as a student intern in January 2024, and became a Shelter Associate in June 2024. He is thankful for the opportunity to have met my wonderful coworkers, connect with clients, and to continue learning about the various ways the organization helps our communities. When not at work, Tom loves to explore different river spots here in Boone, attend any form of live music, and play video games.

Finn is a senior at Appalachian State University studying Exercise Science with a minor in Psychology. After graduating in the Spring, he plans on attaining his Doctor of Physical Therapy and becoming a physical therapist. Finn began as an intern in January of 2024 and became a shelter associate in May of 2024. He is passionate about working with his coworkers to uplift clients and those in need in order to make positive changes within the community. Outside of work, Finn enjoys hiking, skateboarding, and listening to music with friends.

Jodi graduated from Springfield College in St. Johnsbury Vermont with a degree in Human Services and Addiction Counseling in 2011. Since then, she has been working with vulnerable populations including people struggling with mental health, homelessness and addiction. She is passionate about bringing a much-needed smile and a kind word to those who need it the most. Jodi recently retired from her job as an addiction counselor at a methadone clinic, and realized that she wanted to continue serving those who struggle, leading her to find a shelter associate job at Hospitality House. In her free time, Jodi enjoys volunteering at an acupuncture clinic, spending time outdoors, and hanging out with friends and family.

Originally from Cape Canaveral, Florida, Quinn has been enjoying the breathtaking views of the Appalachian Mountains since moving here in 2021 for his undergraduate studies. He is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work degree from Appalachian State University. Quinn began his journey at Hospitality House in January 2024 as a social work intern during his undergrad, later joining the team as a shelter associate in May 2024 post graduation. He is passionate about harm reduction and reducing the stigma surrounding homelessness, poverty, and substance use. Quinn’s favorite aspects of his job are building connections with clients and advocating for them. In his free time, Quinn enjoys yapping with friends, engaging in various crafts, and being super cool and swag.”

Grace is in her final semester at Appalachian State University pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in Social Work minor. Grace started at Hospitality House in May of 2024 as a shelter associate. When she is not working or doing homework she can be found playing with her dog Moose, baking, and spending time with friends.

Ava has always had the Appalachian Mountains in her blood, with both of her parents being Appalachian State University Alumni. She finished up her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with an internship at Hospitality House in the summer of 2024. She joined the staff as a Shelter Associate in August 2024. She is now looking forward to pursuing a Masters of Public Health in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Hospitality House has been an amazing experience in learning to work with and connect with clients. In her free time Ava enjoys reading, creating art, and watching movies on the couch with her two cats. 

Jess is completing her final semester at Appalachian State University with a double major in Criminal Justice and Psychology, with hopes of one day working as a Criminal Psychologist. She started working at Hospitality House as a garden intern and fell in love with the organization and all of the great work they are doing to help the local community. In her free time she enjoys hiking, hanging out with her kitties, reading, and watching movies. 

Holly, born in Texas, grew up in North Carolina. She moved here from Wilmington, NC in 2018 with her husband, Caleb. Holly was a staff member with High Country Community Health for 3 years and became acquainted with Hospitality House after the Medical Care Outpost opened in February 2024. She is now excited about joining the Hospitality House team and is actively pursuing her degree in Nursing.

Holly has a background in music with a Bachelor's and Master's in Vocal Performance. While singing is a big love of hers, she found much more joy and fulfillment in the healthcare field, specifically community-based care. Her favorite part of being an Shelter Associate so far is communicating with residents and reminding them they are valuable and deserve kindness and love. Outside of school and work, Holly loves to spend time outdoors with her husband and dog, Moon, enjoying the great Appalachian mountains!

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